Flip closure for sealing a container

ABSTRACT

A flip closure for sealing a container is provided. The flip closure comprises:
         a first part with an outer circumferential first sealing element, and   a second part with an outer circumferential second sealing element,   the first part connected to the second part by a hinge which allows rotational movement of one of the two parts around an axis into an open or a closed position of the flip closure,   the second sealing element divided into a hinge region and a non-hinge region, wherein in the hinge region a height of the second sealing element is adapted to the rotational movement,   the first sealing element which in the closed position engages with the second sealing element provides a form-fit,
 
wherein the second sealing element in the non-hinge region has a height which is greater than the height in the hinge region. Further, a container having such a flip closure is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of EP Application No. 11154509.1,filed on Feb. 15, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, a flip closure for sealing a container is provided.The flip closure comprises a first part with an outer circumferentialfirst sealing element, and a second part with an outer circumferentialsecond sealing element. The first part is connected to the second partby a hinge which allows rotational movement of one of the two partsaround an axis into an open or a closed position of the flip closure.The second sealing element is divided into a hinge region and anon-hinge region, wherein in the hinge region a height of the secondsealing element is adapted to the rotational movement of one of the twoparts around the axis. Furthermore, the first sealing element which inthe closed position engages with the second sealing element provides aform-fit. In a second aspect, a container having a flip closure isprovided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers with flip closures have found use in a variety ofapplications. For example, they can be used for storing and preservingproducts such as viscous fluids, like hairstyling or hair care products.For instance, styling gels and hair conditioners are usually stored injars having a product discharge opening or a mouth with a defineddiameter in order to enable a user to manually remove the product fromthe container by e.g. inserting fingers into the opening or mouth tospread the product onto the fingertips.

Containers and closures for sealing containers have to meet a number ofrequirements, for instance, the container, i.e. the closure has to beeasy to open and close as well as to be easy in terms of handling ingeneral. Moreover, quantitative removal of the product from thecontainer has to be easy which means that the container must have asuitable shape and size and, in particular, the mouth of the closure hasto provide an opening with a diameter that is large enough to enable theuser to insert his or her fingers into the container. Further, theclosure should prevent the product from spilling once the container hasbeen closed.

In order to prevent leakage and/or spillage of the product duringtransport and/or storage the container is provided with a closure whichcan be moved into an open or into a closed, i.e. substantially tightlysealed position, respectively.

These closures usually comprise a lid part and a base part which ismounted onto an opening of the container.

Flip closures often further comprise a hinge connecting the lid partwith the base part further allowing rotational movement of the lid partaround an axis.

In order to provide a substantially tight sealing of the closure asealing element, such as a circumferential sealing lip is usuallylocated between the lid part and the base part. The sealing elementpossesses a defined height which is adapted to the rotational movementof the lid part.

US 2009/0314792 A1 discloses a closure device for a container,especially for a bottle. This closure device comprises a base element,which can be fastened on an opening of the container, and a hinged cap,which is pivotably fastened to the base element, so that the cap can bemoved between a closed and an open setting to allow a free-flowingmedium, in particular, to be dispensed from the bottle. Further, theclosure device shows a dispensing element which comprises close to adispensing opening at least one sealing lip. The sealing lip extendsinward and downward essentially in a U-shape, so that, when the cap isclosed, the sealing lip interacts with associated elements of the hingedcap. The sealing lip is formed with a constant height.

Commonly known closures are often made of plastic materials, such aspolypropylene by an injection molding process. However, these plasticmaterials may have the disadvantage of potential warping during acooling period after injection molding and thereby modifying theirinitial original shape. This warping-problem occurs in particular incases where injection-molded plastic parts, like the lid part, havebigger dimensions, for example lids with a diameter of at least 40 mm.Further, the lid part of the closure normally shows a slight concavityand is, thus, not totally flat or planar in shape thereby contributingto the lack of fit between the lid and base part. All of this result ina closure with increased leak-potential as the lid part loses its exactfit with the base part over a period of time. An increasedleak-potential in turn is likely to complicate handling and logistics ofthe packaged product.

Therefore, there is a need for providing an improved closure for sealinga container, in particular a flip-style closure, which is capable ofproviding a tight sealing. In addition, there is a need for a containerprovided with such a closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a flip closure forsealing a container, the flip closure comprising:

a first part with an outer circumferential first sealing element, and

a second part with an outer circumferential second sealing element,

the first part connected to the second part by a hinge which allowsrotational movement of one of the two parts around an axis into an openor a closed position of the flip closure,

the second sealing element divided into a hinge region and a non-hingeregion, wherein in the hinge region a height of the second sealingelement is adapted to the rotational movement,

the first sealing element which in the closed position engages with thesecond sealing element provides a form-fit,

wherein the second sealing element in the non-hinge region has a heightwhich is greater than the height in the hinge region.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a container having a flipclosure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a flip closure comprises a first and asecond part which are joined together by a hinge, such as a film hinge.With the hinge the first part is connected to the second part allowingthe first part to be positioned relative to the second part in an openor closed position by a pivoting, i.e. rotational movement. The axis ofthis rotational movement spans in a tangential direction with respect tothe closure along the central part of the hinge.

The first part of the closure may be designed as a lid part or base partand the second part of the closure may be designed as the complementarybase part or lid part, respectively.

The flip closure may be attached to a container, such as a jar. Thecontainer is typically used for storing fluids, like liquids or viscousfluids, for example jells, such as hair dressings, hairstyling products,hair-care products, like hair conditioners or styling gels.

To allow the fluid to be manually removed from the container, one of thetwo parts of the flip closure as well as an upper side of the containercomprise a mouth or opening to enable the user to insert his or herfingers through the mouth/opening of the closure and into the containerto spread the product e.g. onto the fingertips. The flip closure may bejoined with the container by means of a screw coupling, for example.

In order to improve the tightness of the closure, the first and secondpart of the closure, each comprises an outer circumferential sealingelement. In the closed position of the closure, the first and secondsealing element engage and provide a form-fit. The term form-fit as usedherein, means that a relative movement of two members is blocked in atleast one direction by at least two interlocking walls. In the presentcontext, the two outer circumferential sealing elements interlockpreventing the closure to be opened without applying force.

Further, the second sealing element of the second part is divided into ahinge and a non-hinge region, wherein the hinge region is defined as theregion in the vicinity of the hinge. The remainder of the second sealingelement accordingly is defined as the non-hinge region.

In the hinge region the second sealing element possesses a height thatis adapted to the rotational movement of one of the two parts around therotational axis. That means that the height of the sealing element inthe hinge region is sufficient small to allow the other part, i.e. theother outer circumferential sealing element to perform the rotationalmovement around the hinge from the open to the closed position withoutbeing blocked by the other sealing element.

According to the invention, drawbacks of flip closures and, inparticular, flip closures made of plastic materials, have been overcomeby providing a second sealing element which in the non-hinge region hasa height which is greater than the height in the hinge region. Theheight of the sealing element in the non-hinge region is greater than insealing elements or sealing lips of the state of the art.

By providing such a second sealing element, the overlap of the twointeracting and engaging sealing elements is enlarged. This allowshigher production and product tolerances. Even when a warping-problemoccurs the closure provides a substantially fluid-tight sealing of thecontainer. A sealing element is provided which generates a more robustpackaging design. In this way greater amount of warping can be toleratedwithout obtaining insufficient tightness.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first part of theclosure is a lid part and the second part is a base part. In that casethe base part comprises the advantageously shaped second sealingelement. This may be beneficial, for instance, if a heat sealing film isplaced between the lid part and the base part after inserting the fluidinto the container in order to protect the product from contaminationbefore first usage. The risk of damage to the heat sealing film issignificantly decreased as the lid part comprises a sealing element withregular height instead of a sealing element with an elongated orextended height which may cut into the heat sealing film and may causedamage.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first sealingelement is a sealing wall and the second element is a sealing lip. Thesealing wall may be formed as a circumferential sealing ring locatedperpendicular to an upper face of the lid part and projecting downwardin the direction of the container. In the closed position, the sealinglip is positioned around the outer circumference of the sealing wall.The sealing lip is so shaped that it forms contact with the sealing wallor, alternatively, that it projects into close proximity of the sealingwall.

In another embodiment of the flip closure, the second sealing elementfurther comprises a projection extending into the direction of the firstsealing element. Preferably the second sealing element is a sealing lipwhich engages with the sealing wall in the closed position. Theprojection can be formed as a hook and may contact the outer face of thesealing wall thereby providing a tight sealing.

In another embodiment, the flip closure has an outer diameter of atleast 40 mm, preferably of at least 50 mm and more preferably of atleast 60 mm. Containers to be used in conjunction with flip closureshaving an outer diameter of at least 40 mm, preferably of at least 50 mmand more preferably of at least 60 mm may comprise an inner volume ofabout 200 ml to about 300 ml. Closures of these sizes frequently displaywarping problems so that a second sealing element according to theinvention is beneficial.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hinge-region and thenon-hinge region are connected by transition regions on each side of thehinge region. That means that the height of the second sealing elementin the hinge region changes to the height in the non-hinge region. Thepath of the rim of the second sealing element in the transition regioncan have a number of shapes which can be described by correspondingmathematical functions.

In another embodiment the second sealing element in the transitionregion is formed as a linear function, preferably as a continuouslyascending ramp. The term “ascending ramp” as used herein means anyincreasing gradient of the rim of the sealing element from the hingeregion to the non-hinge region. The intersection of the sealing elementbetween the hinge-region and the ascending ramp as well as theintersection of the sealing element between the ascending ramp and thenon-hinge region may be shaped in a substantially angled manner. Asecond sealing element with a corresponding shape can be produced in afacile manner.

In another embodiment the second sealing element in the transitionregion can also be formed as a step function. The term “step function”as defined herein means any one or a plurality of horizontal platformswhich are connected to each other by a substantially vertical segment.Thus, the rim of the second sealing element may describe one or moresteps. A second sealing element with a corresponding shape can beproduced in a facile manner, as well.

In another embodiment the second sealing element in the transitionregion can also be formed as a sigmoid function. As used herein, theterm “sigmoid function” means any increasing gradient of the rim of thesecond sealing element wherein the intersection between the hinge-regionand the increasing gradient as well as the intersection between theincreasing gradient and the non-hinge region may be shaped in asubstantially rounded manner. A second sealing element with acorresponding shape can be produced in a facile manner, as well.

In another embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the height of thesecond sealing element in the hinge region and the height of the secondsealing element in the non-hinge region is from about 1:1,5 to about1:3, preferably about 1:2. A ratio within that range provides tightsealing characteristics of the closure. In particular, higher productiontolerances of the closure can be tolerated resulting in a robustpackaging.

In another embodiment of the invention, in the closed position of theflip closure the first and the second sealing element overlap in thenon-hinge region at least about 2 mm, preferably about 3 mm to about 4mm. Such an overlap assures tight sealing characteristics.

In another embodiment, the flip closure is integrally molded.Preferably, the flip closure is molded in one piece by means of aninjection blow-molding process. Using an injection blow-molding processa great variety of shapes and forms of the closure can be realized.Further, by integrally molding the flip closure, a simple and costsaving manufacturing process is provided. Moreover, the flip closure maybe produced in a two-step-molding process wherein one of the parts ismolded in a first injection blow-molding process and afterwards theother corresponding part is molded in a second injection blow-moldingprocess. By applying a two-step-molding process two different materialswith different colors or other characteristics, for instance, may becombined. Furthermore, the sealing lip may also be applied by a separateinjection blow-molding process. In that case, the sealing lip mayconsist of another material, for example of a thermoplastic elastomer.

In a further embodiment, the flip closure is made of a plastic material,preferably of polypropylene. A plastic material typically consists ofpolymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances toimprove performance and/or reduce costs. The polymers are made frommonomers which may be either natural or synthetic organic compounds. Theflip closure is preferably made of thermoplastics. Thermoplastics areplastics that do not undergo chemical change in their composition whenheated and can be molded by heat influence; examples are, polystyrene,polypropylene, polyvinylchloride and polytetrafluoroethylene. Plasticmaterials, such as polypropylene, are advantageous materials as theyprovide sufficient mechanical strength to withstand mechanical stressescaused, for example, by transportation, handling and storage undervarying temperature and moisture conditions. Furthermore, flip closuresmade of plastic materials, preferably of polypropylene, have a low netweight and, therefore, permit a reduction in transportation costscompared to other materials, like metal.

In another advantageous embodiment, the flip closure is formed as asnap-lock closure. Preferably, the hinge structure may have asnap-action biasing force which maintains the lid in a selected nearlyclosed or open position. That means that during the closing procedurethe first and second part of the flip closure snap together until apredefined position has been reached. A snap-lock closure permits toclose and re-open the lid part of the closure in an easy manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to anillustrative embodiment, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the closureaccording to the invention in an open position;

FIG. 2 shows the detail II of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 1 in a closedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AS SHOWN IN THE EMBODIMENTS OF THEDRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flip closure 10 for sealing a container, e.g. a jar, forstoring viscous liquids, like hair care products, such as hair stylinggels or hair conditioners. The flip closure 10 comprises a lid part 12and a base part 14 which are connected via a hinge 16.

In other words, a hinge 16 joins the base part 14 and the lid part 12allowing movement of the lid part 12 relative to the base part 14 arounda rotational axis 17. The closure 10 can be positioned in an open orclosed setting, depending on the position of the lid part 12 relative tothe base part 14. The hinge 16 is designed as a film hinge 16 whichexercises a snap-action biasing force that orientates the lid part 12 inan open or in a nearly closed position.

The closure 10 has a rounded circumference and shows an outer diameterof about 85 mm.

The base part 14 contains a hole 19 with a diameter of about 75 mm. Thehole 19 corresponds to an opening on the upper side of the container.Thus, once the lid part 12 has been moved in the open position, it ispossible for a user to insert his or her fingers into the container inorder to spread the product contained therein onto the fingers.

An inner surface 18 of the base part 14 has a screw thread 20corresponding to a screw thread formed on an outer surface of thecontainer allowing the closure 10 to be screwed onto the container.

In order to provide a tight sealing of the container, both, the lid part12 as well as the base part 14 comprise outer circumferential sealingelements 22, 24. The sealing element 22 of the lid part 12 is formed asa sealing wall 22 and the sealing element 24 of the base part 14 isformed as a sealing lip 24. In the closed position of the closure 10 thesealing wall 22 of the lid part 12 engages with the sealing lip 24 ofthe base part 14 and provides a form-fit.

The sealing lip 24 is divided into a hinge region 26 and a non-hingeregion 28. The hinge region 26 is defined as a section of the perimeterof the sealing lip 24 in the vicinity of the hinge 16, whereas theremainder of the perimeter is defined as the non-hinge region 28.

The height 30 of the sealing lip 24 in the hinge-region 26 is adapted tothe design of the hinge 16, namely to the rotational movement of the lidpart 12 around the rotational axis 17. The height 30 of the sealing lip24 in the hinge region 26 is lower than that of the sealing lip 24 inthe non-hinge region 28 thereby providing sufficient space for therelative movement of the sealing wall 22 of the lid part 12 in thecourse of opening and closing operations of the closure 10.

The closure 10 is made of a plastic material, namely of polypropylene byan injection molding process. In order to avoid tightness problemscaused by warping effects frequently observed with molded plastic parts,the height 30 of the sealing lip 24 in the non-hinge region 28 isgreater than the height in the hinge region 26. The ratio of the heightof the sealing lip 24 in the hinge region and the height of the sealinglip 24 the non-hinge region is from about 1:1,5 to about 1:3, inparticular about 1:2. This facilitates a greater overlap between sealingwall 22 and sealing lip 14 once the lid part 12 has been moved into theclosed position. The overlap between the sealing wall 22 and the sealinglip 24 in the non-hinge region 28 is at least about 2 mm to about 4 mm.Due to the longer path of contact between the sealing wall 22 and thesealing lip 24 a bigger range of lid part warping can be toleratedwithout creating a tightness problem. Thus, tightness characteristics ofthe closure are improved, and, moreover, higher production tolerances ofthe closure 10 can be accepted. Compared to closures of the state of theart a more robust flip closure 10 is provided.

Further, the sealing lip 24 has an undercut 32 on the opposite side ofthe hinge region 26. The undercut 32 comprises a catching mechanismwhich securely locks the lid part 12 in the closed position.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the detail II of the sealing lip 24. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hinge region 26 and the non-hingeregion 28 are connected by transition regions 34 on each side of thehinge region 26. The sealing lip 24 in the transition region 34 isformed as a sigmoid function. The sigmoid function comprises anincreasing gradient 36 wherein the intersection 38 between thehinge-region 26 and the increasing gradient 36 as well as theintersection 38 between the increasing gradient 36 and the non-hingeregion 28 is shaped in a substantially rounded manner. However, thesealing lip 24 in the transition region 34 may also be formed as alinear function, like a continuously ascending ramp, as a step functionor as a semicircular arch, for example.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the flip closure 10 of FIG. 1 inthe closed position. The lid part 12 further comprises a ring 40 at theoutside circumference of the lid part 12. The ring 40 forms aclosing-off structure. The base part 14 further comprises a ring 42 atthe outside circumference of the lid part 12 which forms a correspondingclosing-off structure. The ring 40 projects into the direction of thebase part 14, whereas the ring 42 projects into the direction of the lidpart 12. Once the lid part 12 has been closed, the ring 40 of the lidpart 12 dips into a gap between the inner surface of the ring 42 and theouter surface of the sealing lip 24. The sealing wall 22 rests againstthe inner surface of the sealing lip 24.

The sealing lip 24 comprises a projection 44, namely a hook 44, whichextends into the direction of the sealing wall 22. The hook 44 engageswith the sealing wall 22 by pushing against its outer surface therebyproviding a tight sealing.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   10 flip closure-   12 first part, lid part-   14 second part, base part-   16 hinge, film hinge-   17 pivot axis-   18 inner surface of the base part-   19 hole-   20 screw thread-   22 sealing element of the lid part, sealing wall-   24 sealing element of the base part, sealing lip-   26 hinge region-   28 non-hinge region-   30 height of the sealing lip-   32 undercut-   34 transition region-   36 increasing gradient-   38 intersection-   40 ring of the lid part-   42 ring of the base part-   44 projection, hook

1. A flip closure for sealing a container, the flip closure comprising:a first part with an outer circumferential first sealing element, and asecond part with an outer circumferential second sealing element, thefirst part connected to the second part by a hinge which allowsrotational movement of one of the two parts around an axis into an openor a closed position of the flip closure, the second sealing elementdivided into a hinge region and a non-hinge region, wherein in the hingeregion a height of the second sealing element is adapted to therotational movement, the first sealing element which in the closedposition engages with the second sealing element provides a form-fit,characterized in that the second sealing element in the non-hinge regionhas a height which is greater than the height in the hinge region.
 2. Aflip closure according to claim 1, wherein the first part is a lid partand the second part is a base part.
 3. A flip closure according to claim1, wherein the first sealing element is a sealing wall and the secondsealing element is a sealing lip.
 4. A flip closure according to claim1, wherein the second sealing element comprises a projection extendinginto the direction of the first sealing element in the closed position.5. A flip closure according to claim 1, wherein said flip closure has adiameter of at least 40 mm.
 6. A flip closure according to claim 1,wherein said flip closure has a diameter of at least 50 mm.
 7. A flipclosure according to claim 1, wherein said flip closure has a diameterof at least 60 mm.
 8. A flip closure according to claim 1, wherein thehinge region and the non-hinge region are connected by transitionregions on each side of the hinge region.
 9. A flip closure according toclaim 8, wherein the second sealing element in the transition region isformed as a linear function
 10. A flip closure according to claim 9,wherein the transition region is formed as a continuously ascendingramp.
 11. A flip closure according to claim 8, wherein the secondsealing element in the transition region is formed as a step function.12. A flip closure according to claim 8, wherein the second sealingelement in the transition region is formed as a sigmoid function.
 13. Aflip closure according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the height ofthe second sealing element in the hinge region and the height of thesecond sealing element in the non-hinge region is from about 1:1,5 toabout 1:3.
 14. A flip closure according to claim 1, wherein the ratio ofthe height of the second sealing element in the hinge region and theheight of the second sealing element in the non-hinge region is about1:2.
 15. A flip closure according to claim 1, wherein in the closedposition of the flip closure the first and the second sealing elementoverlap in the non-hinge region at least about 2 mm.